TEST HOUSE
Tender cuts of meat, festive puddings, cakes, mince pies and more – there’s no shortage of tasty options to serve up this season!
The best Christmas buys
TURKEY ✭✭✭✭✭
PRESTAGE FARMS YOUNG PREMIUM TURKEY ABOUT R59,99/KG; MAKRO
This roastfrom-frozen bird is bursting with flavour, is moreish and juicy,andhas a rich meaty flavour. Easy to carve.
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FROZEN TURKEY ABOUT R109,99/KG; WOOLWORTHS
Rich and meaty in flavour, though some tasters found the meat a bit dry. It is slightly stringy but tender.
The skin is well seasoned and crisps nicely. Great for large families; fairly easy to prepare.
B0NELESS GAMMON ✭✭✭✭✭
LUXURY GAMMON KIT ABOUT R129,99/KG; PNP
This luxury kit of uncooked gammon has the perfect combination of flavours: the gammon is lightly smoked with beechwood and complemented with sweet glacé fruit, and a cranberry and plum glaze to cut through the saltiness of the meat. It is tender and there’s a good layer of fat. Easy to carve.
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BONELESS SMOKED GAMMON ABOUT R89,99/KG; FOOD LOVER’S MARKET
A generously sized gammon that tastes superb and holds its shape well after cooking. There is a good balance of salt and smokiness, though some tasters found the meat a bit dry. Brush with apricot glaze for a lovely hint of sweetness. Perfectly smoked and cured, it leaves agood aftertaste. A crowd pleaser!
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LARGE READY-TOCOOK DEBONED BEECH-SMOKED GAMMON ABOUT R89,99/KG; WOOLWORTHS
Nicely shaped with an appealing appearance, this gammon has a lovely balance of flavours, is perfectly cured and has a good fat-tomeat ratio. There is a good amount of salt, and the meat is pleasantly smokey and succulent. It holds its shape well when carved.
BONE-IN GAMMON ✭✭✭✭
READY-TO-COOK BEECH-SMOKED GAMMON ABOUT R84,99/KG; WOOLWORTHS
Quite a bit of smokiness and seasoning come through this succulent gammon, although some tasters found the meat too salty and felt that glazed fruit would balance the flavours better. The meat holds its shape well after cooking and carves effortlessly.
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TRADITIONAL SMOKED LEG GAMMON ABOUT R79,99/
KG; FOOD LOVER’S MARKET
The gammon cooks beautifully and a subtle smokey flavour comes through, but the meat is over-cured. It is also a little dry – there is no fat layer, which may have helped with flavour and moisture retention. Carving is slightly tricky as the texture is a bit firm and stringy. Suitable for a large family.
COOKED GAMMON ✭✭✭✭✭
READY-TO-EAT GAMMON TOPPED WITH FRUIT & GLAZE ABOUT R219,99/KG; WOOLWORTHS
This lovely-looking gammon is packed with flavour and is beautifully moist. The fruit infuses the salt and smokey flavours with a pleasant sweetness, adding depth to the flavour.
BEEF FILLET ✭✭✭
PEPPER-CRUSTED BEEF FILLET ABOUT R249,99/KG; PNP
Tasters found the pepper crust delicious, finely grounded and not too overpowering. The fillet is evenly shaped, so it sears and roasts consistently, and carves beautifully too. The meat is tender and moist, and perfectly balanced with the pepper crust.
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TRIMMED BEEF FILLET ABOUT R249,99/KG; PNP
This beautifully prepared, trimmed fillet cooks really well because of its even shape. We seasoned the meat, which is flavourful, moist and very tender. It holds its shape and slices cleanly. This is a goodsized portion of meat that will feed a crowd.
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BEEF FILLET ABOUT R199,95/KG; MAKRO
This generously sized fillet is well shaped, and browns and sears nicely. It had to be tied to cook evenly. Tasters found the meat to be a bit bland, but if seasoned well with a lovely sauce, it should be perfect. The meat is tender and sufficiently moist. If you prefer making your own rubs and seasoning, this is for you.
LAMB ✭✭✭✭✭
CARVERY CUT BONE-IN LAMB STUFFED WITH ROSEMARY, GARLIC AND LEMON ABOUT 179,99/
KG; FOOD LOVER’S MARKET This joint cooks to golden brown, and the juices add richness and moistness to the meat. Rosemary and garlic complement rather than overpower the tender meat. It carves beautifully.
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BONE-IN FREE-RANGE LEG OF LAMB ABOUT R199,99/KG; WOOLWORTHS
Nicely trimmed with a generous amount of Greek marinade, the meat cooks beautifully and has a lovely aroma. The gravy thickened well and has a succulent homemade flavour. Some tasters found the meat slightly dry, but delightful when sliced and added to the gravy.
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LAMB
ABOUT R149,95/KG; MAKRO
A great option if you prefer home-made rubs and seasoning. This substantial piece of meat is well shaped and natural in colour. The skin crisps nicely, though the joint shrunk quite a bit during cooking. The meat is flavoursome and juicy – it retains moisture well after resting.
PORK ✭✭✭✭
PORK BELLY WITH SAGE, LEMON & FENNEL ABOUT R89,99/
KG; FOOD LOVER’S MARKET
The belly crisps and crackles perfectly. It has a very good meat-to-fat ratio and an even fat layer. The flavours of fennel, lemon and sage balance the richness of the meat. Juicy, delicious and easy to carve.
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SMOKED PORK LOIN WITH MAPLEFLAVOURED GLAZE ABOUT R114,99/KG; PNP
The maple flavour works well with the smokiness of the meat. The pork cooks perfectly, is succulent, and the skin browns and crackles beautifully. Rich in colour.
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PORK BELLY ABOUT R79,99/KG; MAKRO
The generous amount of fat and skin make for good crackling, although extra cooking time is needed to crisp the skin. The high fat-to-meat ratio makes for a succulent belly that is rich in flavour. Best eaten with sauce.
FESTIVE HAMPERS ✭✭✭✭
FESTIVE HAMPER
ABOUT R94,99/KG; PNP
Beech-smoked gammon: We loved the smokiness; moist, tender and not too salty. Corned beef: The fat layer makes for a tasty, moist joint. Smoked pork belly roast: Produces a crispy golden crackling; richly flavoured.
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CLASSIC FESTIVE HAMPER ABOUT R89,99/KG; WOOLWORTHS Gammon: Tender and delicious with a generous fat layer; good smokey flavour. Corned beef: The fat layer is flavourful and made the meat moist. Good flavour balance. Corned tongue: Too mild in flavour and lacking in salt. Not as tender as expected.
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CHRISTMAS 4-WAY FESTIVE HAMPER ABOUT R84,99/KG; FOOD LOVER’S Gammon: Stringy texture and a bit too salty.
Corned beef: Lacking in flavour and moisture.
Corned tongue: Tender with well-balanced flavours. Pickled pork: Tender and moist, with a tasty fat layer.
SALMON ✭✭✭✭✭
SALMON SIDE WITH PASTRY LATTICE ABOUT R379,99; WOOLWORTHS
This lightly smoked whole Norwegian salmon with dill tastes as good as it looks. The gold shimmer glaze adds a festive touch, and the all-butter lattice puff pastry adds a classy touch. The fish cooks perfectly and the fynbos honey adds great depth of flavour. ✭✭✭✭
HOT OAK-SMOKED NORWEGIAN SALMON ABOUT R729,99/KG; PNP
This salmon portion has a good natural colour to it and is smoked to perfection. The oak smoke flavour comes through beautifully without being overpowering
– a flavourful portion of fish that produces moist, tender flakes. ✭✭✭✭
HOT SMOKED NORWEGIAN SALMON PORTION WITH PEPPER AND MUSTARD ABOUT R729,99/KG; PNP Tasters loved the flavours of this salmon paired with the texture of the mustard and pepper seeds. The fish isn’t as moist as the oaksmoked fish–the texture is dense and flaky, but it’s still delicious.
ICED CAKES ✭✭✭✭✭
ICED BRANDY CHRISTMAS
CAKE (1KG) ABOUT R269,99; WOOLWORTHS
With its embossed, golddust pine cone wreaths, this luxurious cake has a light crumb, moist texture and good fruit content. The sweet marzipan layer works well. The spices are balanced but the almond flavour is too mild. ✭✭✭
ICED FRUIT CAKE TOPPED WITH PAINTED SUGAR LEAVES (1KG) ABOUT R129,99; FOOD LOVER’S MARKET
With its adorable painted sugar leaves, this cake is distinct in appearance. Tasters found the marzipan flavour too subtle, and the cake slightly overspiced and lacking in alcohol. Some also found it a tad too sweet. It has a moist texture and a good amount of fruit. ✭✭
ICED BRANDY FRUIT CAKE (1KG) ABOUT R69,99; PNP Fruity in aroma with subtle spiced notes, and packed with nuts and fruit. The spices aren’t well balanced and taste slightly artificial. Some tasters felt the cake could do with more brandy. It has a lovely dark crumb and a good amount of fruit, but the texture is quite dense and a little too sticky.
PLAIN FRUIT CAKES ✭✭✭✭✭
BRANDY
FRUIT CAKE (700G)
ABOUT R159,99; WOOLWORTHS
A classic Christmas cake with a pleasant aroma and a good blend of well-balanced flavour combinations. Warm citrusy notes come through, the cake is well spiced and has a good kick of brandy. The crumb is light and the cake beautifully moist. ✭✭✭✭
LUXURY FRUIT CAKE SLICE (430G) ABOUT R69,99; FOOD LOVER’S MARKET
The packaging is simple and classic, and the cake very tasty with a soft moist crumb and a lovely texture. For some tasters, the spices are too subtle and the cake needs more brandy. This mellow bake is a good option if you’re not a fan of rich, spicy fruit cakes. ✭✭
BRANDY
FRUIT CAKE (800G) ABOUT R129,99; PNP Generously fruity with a dark crumb that is rich in colour, but the texture of the cake is dense and heavy. Very subtle flavours come through, but for some tasters, the cake lacks richness and spice; some commented that they had hoped for more festive, spiced flavours.
JEWELLED CAKES ✭✭✭✭✭
REDUCED SUGAR FRUIT CAKE (1KG) ABOUT R169,99; FOOD LOVER’S MARKET
The perfect combination of fruitiness and spice with just the right amount of sweetness, this cake is fruity and delicious. It has a pleasant spiciness, the texture is light and moist, and the cake cuts easily. ✭✭✭✭
CHERRY AND ALMOND FRUIT CAKE (800G) ABOUT R179,99; PNP The elegant packaging is very festive – this cake would make a lovely gift. It is gently spiced and the mixture of fruit gives it a pleasant sweetness. Some tasters felt it is short on depth and richness, and has a heavy texture. Overall, the cake is moist and packed with flavour. It cuts nicely. ✭✭✭✭
CHERRY GENOA (700G) ABOUT R159,99; WOOLWORTHS Generously topped with cherries and almonds, this cake contains large bits of fruit and nuts that give it great texture. It tastes like a traditional fruit cake. We enjoyed the lightness of the cake, but some tasters found it to be too mellow in spiciness and the abundance of fruit too sweet. It cuts well.
MINCE PIES ✭✭✭✭✭
6 FRUIT MINCE PIE SELECTION ABOUT R39,99; WOOLWORTHS
The crumbly pastry is moreish and the filling generous. There is a good balance of nutty flavours and citrusy tones, and the pies are gently spiced. Some tasters felt the pastries could have been baked longer. ✭✭✭✭
TRADITIONAL MINCE PIES ABOUT R36,99; FOOD LOVER’S MARKET
We liked the home-made look of these evenly baked pies that are beautifully light in colour. They have a good combination of fruit, zest and spice, and the proportion of filling to pastry is good. The pastry is light and crumbles nicely, but some tasters found it a bit dry. ✭✭
MARKETSIDE
6 FRUIT MINCE PIES ABOUT R29,99; GAME The bold, festive packaging is inviting. The pies are generous in size, with a good amount of filling. Tasters found the spice too dominant, and while the pastry is light, it has an artificial taste and is slightly underbaked. The pastry texture also isn’t crumbly.
CHRISTMAS PUDDINGS ✭✭✭✭✭
LUXURY CHRISTMAS PUDDING (900G) ABOUT R249,99; PNP This pudding was a hit – flavoursome with pleasantly balanced notes of spice and citrus, and a hint of brandy that is light and subtle. It has all the elements of a classic luxurious dessert. The texture is beautifully moist and there is a good distribution of fruit. The un-diced cherries taste authentic. ✭✭✭✭
BRANDY FRUIT PUDDING (450G) ABOUT R119,99; WOOLWORTHS
A rich, indulgent pudding with just the right balance of juicy fruit and booze, and an appealing mix of sweetness and spice. The pudding has a home-made taste and the taste of brandy is prominent. There is a good amount of fruit, but not enough nuts. ✭✭✭
CHRISTMAS FRUIT PUDDING (400G) ABOUT R89,99; FOOD LOVER’S MARKET
This appealing domedshaped pudding is packed with a variety of fruit. Tasters thought it has too much of a citrusy punch and lacks spiciness, and that it isn’t moist enough – a sauce would complement it well. Some also would have liked nuts and cherries in the pudding.
DESSERTS ✭✭✭✭
SANTA CELEBRATION CAKE ABOUT R259,99/KG; WOOLWORTHS
This novel five-layered cake is delicious and luxurious. There are four red velvet layers, and one chocolate with a secret golden centre. The filling isn’t too rich or sweet and the combination of textures just right. The cake is soft and moist, and the butter icing delectable. ✭✭✭✭
VANILLA-FLAVOURED PANNA COTTA WITH BERRY COULIS (500G) ABOUT R43,99; PNP
A traditional, simple dessert that most tasters enjoyed. The flavours are fresh and summery, and the texture beautiful. It isn’t too sweet or overly rich, and the coulis balances the sweetness very well. Easy on the palate – in fact, we would have enjoyed a bit more ofit! ✭✭✭
CHOCOLATE BROWNIE (340G) ABOUT R38,99; SPAR
An authentic brownie with just the right gooey, chewy and crispy textures; the drizzle of chocolate sauce makes it even more delicious. This brownie isn’t overly rich and has the perfect amount of sweetness – there is a good chocolate-tosweetness ratio.
CHOCOLATE ✭✭✭✭✭
LINDOR ASSORTED CORNET (200G) ABOUT R99,99; MAJOR RETAILERS Luxuriously smooth and silky on the palate with a melt-in-your mouth texture. The variety of light, dark and milk exteriors and assorted fillings are a delight. ✭✭✭✭
MILK, DARK & WHITE CHOCOLATE SELECTION ABOUT R99,99; WOOLWORTHS
This 18-piece selection of milk, dark and Belgian chocolate is utterly delicious. The luxurious chocolate is smooth, melts quickly in the mouth and has a pleasant sweetness. An absolute treat. ✭✭✭
DELISH CHOCOLATES AND TRUFFLES (140G) ABOUT R74,99; FOOD LOVER’S MARKET
This 10-piece festive-looking selection is beautifully presented. Tasters enjoyed the variety of fillings. The chocolates are quite small but have a good flavour and just enough sweetness.✤